Pike’s Coal miner artwork to feature in prestigious Max Watters collection

Two pieces from Christine Pike’s ‘Coal Miners’ exhibition have been purchased by Max Watters for his prestigious permanent collection. Pictured: Christine Pike with one eye-catching piece selected for the prestigious collection

 

Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre is currently displaying over one hundred works by Christine Pike of men and women working at mine sites across the Hunter. Pike is a finalist in the 42nd Muswellbrook Art Prize in both the works on paper and painting categories.

 

Max Watters is a self-taught local painter who has been exhibiting since 1964. He paints Upper Hunter Valley landscapes and his work is in the Australian National Gallery and other public collections.

 

A testament to the talent and vision of Christine Pike, The Max Watters Art Collection is regarded as one of the ‘most significant collections of its type in rural Australia’, showcasing renowned Australian contemporary artists.

 

“Art is very much in the eye of the beholder, so when a viewer likes your work it’s a great compliment,” Christine told the NSW Minerals Council.

 

“For Max Watters to purchase my work for the permanent Max Watters Collection at Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, it’s the ultimate compliment.” 

 

The Max Watters collection was signed over to the Shire of Muswellbrook a decade ago, inspiring and educating locals and drawing visitors to the area too. 

 

Pieces from the collection are displayed periodically throughout the year, but as Christine Pike’s ‘Coal Miners’ exhibition will be open to the public until 22 February, it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore her entire collection. 

 

“My paintings will be a permanent record of the people working in Hunter mining to educate future generations on important local history,” said Ms Pike.

 

The ‘Coal Miners’ exhibition is on display at the Muswellbrook Regional Art Centre until 22 February 2015. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5pm and weekends 10am – 1pm. The Muswellbrook Regional Art Centre is closed on public holidays. Phone number: 6549 3800, Email: arts.centre@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au, Website: muswellbrookartscentre.com.au.

 

The NSW Minerals Council has assisted Christine in the development of her work for this exhibition.